People Power Party rallies behind Yang Hyang-ja in Gyeonggi governor race

South Korea’s People Power Party on May 6 pledged to unite behind its Gyeonggi Province governor candidate, Yang Hyang-ja, as it seeks victory in the June 3 local elections. Party leaders urged voters to use the election to hold the government and ruling party to account.

Speaking at a “victory rally” at the party’s Gyeonggi headquarters in Suwon, party leader Jang Dong-hyuk criticized the Democratic Party for nominating Chu Mi-ae, saying the party had put forward what he called the “queen of destruction” who, he said, followed President Lee Jae-myung in dismantling the prosecution and undermining the judiciary. Jang said that if Chu wins, she would “ruin Gyeonggi Province” under pressure from Lee’s hard-line supporters, often referred to as “gae-ttal.”

Jang also cited a special counsel bill introduced by the Democratic Party on April 30 — titled the “Special Counsel Act to uncover the truth behind allegations of manipulated investigations and indictments by the Yoon Suk Yeol administration.” He said that if an indictment is unfair, it should be addressed through a trial and an acquittal. He called the local elections a vote to judge what he described as the Democratic Party and its leader, Lee.

Jang said Yang is the right person to lead what he called “the heart of Korea’s economy,” describing her as an “economy governor.” He said People Power Party candidates would build a Gyeonggi Province where advanced industries bring in money, keep it circulating and improve the lives of future generations.

Floor leader Song Eon-seok also framed the vote as a choice between allowing “dictatorship” to stand or checking it. He said the party must stop the Lee administration in Gyeonggi Province, which he called the place where Lee’s “crimes” began. Song urged support for Yang, calling her a qualified candidate who understands the economy and can protect semiconductor plants.
  Gyeonggi Province is often seen as a key battleground, but the People Power Party finalized its governor nominee later than other races. Yang won the party primary on May 2, just 32 days before the local elections. Party leaders appeared to move quickly to Gyeonggi after the nomination was settled.

Speakers at the rally repeatedly stressed the need for unity. Yang said voters do not care about political camps or factions, but want hope that tomorrow will be better than today. “We have no freedom to split, and no right to lose,” she said.

After the event, senior spokesperson Park Sung-hoon told reporters the party’s basic duty in the local elections is to show it is not divided. He said internal conflict should not “taint” the party, and vowed to campaign as “one team” to win.

The party said its central election committee lineup is expected to be finalized and announced within this week. Park said it would be organized to provide as much help as possible to candidates campaigning under difficult conditions.